preholiday sales were disappointing this year, mostly because of the budget and the fiscal cliff, hurricane and school shooting. and now, many retailers are stuck with inventory that they really need to clean out. >> they've got new merchandise that's coming in right behind it. and they recognize it's really now about recouping what sales they lost from the lack of excitement. so, look for the sales to carry through for most of january. but not much further than that. >> cohen says the biggest discounts will be on cold-weather merchandise because winter arrived late this year. >>> housing will be one of the bright spots on the economy next year. mark zandi of moody says better sales, more construction and higher prices. last month, existing home sales rose more than wall street expected, almost 6%, reaching the highest level in three years. >>> more homeowners in trouble may also be getting some help. "the wall street journal" reports the obama administration is thinking about expanding its refinancing program. borrowers whose mortgages aren't backed by the government and who owe more than